A Smart Use Of Spaces: Natasha Agarwal designs PJCF, a skill development center based in Mumbai city

A Smart Use Of Spaces

Natasha Agarwal showcases an efficient balance of space planning and aesthetics in designing PJCF, a skill development center based in Malad, a western suburb, of the Mumbai city.

Project Designed By: NACL [Natasha Aggarwal Creative Living] Photo Courtesy: Studio Kunal Bhatia

“Good design is a balance of efficient space planning and aesthetics. Space planning is extremely important. Therefore, if the layout planning is not right things will start falling apart very soon and the second most imp aspect the functionality of the layout and the design,” says Natasha Aggarwal, Founder of NACL [Natasha Aggarwal Creative Living]. NACL recently designed the PJCF [Prakash Jayantilal Chauhan Foundation] Skill Development Center based in Malad, a western suburb, of the Mumbai city. The PCJF Skill Development Center in Mumbai is a CSR project built by the client to create an inspiring and encouraging learning environment. The design brief, therefore, expected the designer to create efficient spaces that maximise the use of spaces while also reflecting the brand identity and ethos. “While designing the institute my primary focus,” says Natasha, “was the maximum utilization of the available real estate. Since the space available was limited and the functions to be accommodated were a lot we tried to create flexible solutions. Therefore, the design approach, both functionally and aesthetically, aims to capitalise on every element, object and material that is integrated within the space by using it in more than one way and ultimately transforming the room with minimal alterations, thereby ensuring versatility within the space.

Clean, stark lines in the form of partition designs, lighting design and the graphics created through the furniture elements, all aid in creating an understated pattern, allowing bold forms such as the logo design to get highlighted. Modern, yet minimal patterns and grids are followed throughout the space, in order to augment functionality as well as adding versatility to the space. The result is an effortlessly practical design solution that keeps the user engaged and intrigued, whilst motivating them to learn, network and train in an environment that is soothing to the senses and efficient for learning.”

The project had a number of requirements like classrooms and practical rooms with provision for ample storage which turned out to be the biggest challenge. This essentially led to the inception of the design concept which is truly multifunctional. As per the development control guidelines, the space required for each classroom was insufficient on-site.

To overcome this constraint, a single space has been used in multiple ways to provide maximum usage and enhance the spatial experience. For instance, both the salons combine into one room by merely opening a mirror sliding folding partition and by rearranging the furniture in the retail class. Since both the salon spaces are identical, the merging of the two is seamless.

Movable furniture was critical to the design; it has been customised to be stowed away when not in use and moved around as per requirement. Every corner, furniture piece and blank space has a utilitarian value, thereby resulting in an open layout with clutter-free spaces. By assigning multiple roles to every object and element the design minimizes material requirement and consumption. Since spaces are multifunctional as well, the energy utilization is efficient avoiding any energy wastage occurring due to unoccupied spaces. Storage units have been distributed around columns and on walls, to create intriguing wall designs and functional storage space. For instance, the electronic lab requires a large number of tools that are stored on the wall, thereby creating interesting wall decor. Passages are lined with storage units that give a library-like feel, and niches have been designed to craft out seating that looks like it has been carved out of storage walls. Another challenge was the bulky columns that blocked a lot of space so they were boxed to create storage solutions. With the constant movement of students, staff, and the use of tools and machinery while training, the institute had to be acoustically treated. Prefabricated wall panels with acoustical properties are used as an effective and economical substitute to Siporex walls to ensure minimal disturbance within classrooms. There is extensive use of materials requiring fewer treatments and low maintenance, like birch ply on walls and furniture, concrete tiles on the floor, lime plastered walls, fluted glass, M.S. furniture and metal mesh panels. A muted grey palette in different materials and textures that are low on maintenance is used to create a subtle backdrop. The vibrant brand colours endow identity stand out as a highlighting feature across the space. The lighting scheme follows and reflects the linearity seen within the design scheme. Therefore, we have used linear lights in all of the spaces. The linear lights along spaces like the pathways and corridors also add a layer of way finding through their linearity. Additionally, the salon spaces also flaunt linear lights.

“We as designers bring certain skill sets to the table and give our best to create what the client aspires or dreams of. Striking the right balance between our creative judgement and the client’s aspirations is always the key to success. The design of this project is reflective of the colour scheme, graphical language and ethos of the brand and while doing so offers maximum efficiency within the limited space,” says Natasha, “Just like the client desired, our design concept addressed the need for crafting multi-functional spaces for the institution, leading to effective use of space combined with acoustics to control elevated sound levels. The sheer flexibility, versatility the space offers without compromising on aesthetics is what sets the project apart.”

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